Beauteous Bios

Find out more about these six fabulous non-binary Queens - who they are, where they came from, how they joined forces in the 90s, and what they’re up to now.

 

Frigid (Joffrey Dumas)

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FRIGID is a prolific self-taught independent sound artist and wild glam-rock performer based in Montreal.

A naturally-born dancer, Joffrey Dumas aka FRIGID is working in the fields of music (singer/songwriter/producer & DJ), film (producer & editor) and dance, on top of being the skilled artisan behind “7 Deadly Soaps”.


Born in Sherbrooke, Québec, Joffrey starts piano at a young age and continues his artistic exploration through dance as a teenager. At 16, he moves to Montreal to perfect his classical ballet training at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.

House Of Pride helps Joffrey define his distinctive, dramatic and sexy androgynous style. Along the way, his drag work evolves into FRIGID, a rock star with an impressive music portfolio. His live performances are intricate and electrifying; blending rock n’ roll, wild costumes, make-up and energetic dance moves with a sexually charged intensity.

Joffrey’s quick wit and creative mind, combined with his dedicated hard work, has gained him recognition in many worlds. Voted 'Montreal's DJ of the Year' in ICI magazine in 2004 and in 2005, DJ Frigid has been taking audiences on a panoramic tour of what he calls "erotico-electro-disko-punk" for almost two decades. His work transcends nightlife; from composing original music on demand, taking on the role of Musical Director for various projects, to defining the mood of many events and throwing his own rocking parties! 

2020 marks the release of FRIGID’s 60+ minutes conceptual record “VOTH (Violence Of The Heart)”. The indie electro rock odyssey is accompanied by a collection of distinctive artsy music videos.

With his unparalleled vision and flair, the alternative artist is also the mastermind behind the creation of House Of Pride’s first single Queer Nation.

 

Gartina J. (Garth Johnston)

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Ebony Goddess, fierce diva, multi-faceted artist. Creator, writer, singer, dancer, musician, and hypnotizing performer. 

Gartina J, Garth Johnston—legendary member of the House of Pride—is a wonder to watch.

A gentle soul hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Garth comes to Montréal in the mid 1980s and discovers their many talents as they collaborate and perform with many of the city’s underground and professional stars alike. 

Ongoing training in dance, singing, and acting expands and guides Garth’s many skills and allows them to shine in the magical wonder of the theatre world as well as the mythical underground night life of Montreal in the late 80s and 90s. 

In 1993, Garth helps to create the House of Pride, and Gartina J becomes the glamorous superstar we know them to be. They flaunt their perfect physique, moving with prowess, dignity, and strength—a touch of sass, tons of class, and sometimes, yes, a little ass.

Gartina J’s brilliance, hyper-creative mind, and genuine kindness help House of Pride become an entertaining yet meaningful voice for justice in the face of intolerance—and their legacy continues to this very day. Forever our Sister!

In 2016, Garth Johnston / Gartina J left this plane of existence for a higher one, where they continue to shine their light through the House of Pride.

Gartina - we thank you for your love, and all the amazing art you create with us. We dedicate our new work to you.

 

Jackie Jet (Jacques Besner)

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Breathtaking dancer, talented musician, skilled writer, visionary makeup artist, gifted teacher, and performer extraordinaire, Jackie Jet—aka Jacques Besner—is a uniquely powerful talent. 

Raised in a creative environment, Jacques' natural artistic talents lead him to intensive studies in art and music. Barely out of high school, he finds himself drawn to the flamboyant nightlife of the Montréal gay village - even before he's legal! 

His fearless style catches everyone’s eye including the attention of Marta Marta and Stephen LaReign Hues—and the rest is herstory!

As the House of Pride is born, Jackie Jet officially takes flight and quickly becomes recognized as one of the fiercest queens on the Montréal scene. Her characters and performances delight, revealing a deep vulnerability seasoned with a heavy dose of courage and a huge twist of intelligence and wit. 

With a heart of gold that’s as big as her wigs, and a clever sense or humour, Jackie is a friend to many and a wise teacher to many more—encouraging anyone and everyone to believe in themselves and their own beauty, no matter what.

 

Kiet Ha

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Kiet Ha is a one-of-a-kind androgynous wonder, a marvel to behold; this gender-bending artist leaves you breathless with his theatrical performances and fierce stage presence.

Born in Vietnam and raised in Montréal, Québec, Kiet fully embraces his male and female energies, and unites them into a visceral performance style that is powerful, graceful, and displays a vibrant fluidity.

Kiet first begins as a club kid, exploring the gay scene and club land of the early 90s, and quickly cements his place as a true original.

During this time, he meets his future performance sisters and together they form the unforgettable House of Pride. Kiet becomes a legend of the club scene and further breaks boundaries, appearing on Telé-Québec as one of the first drag artists on national French TV.

Kiet supports the community through activism for LGBTQ+ rights and is also dedicated to Buddhist teachings while continuing his evolution as a multi-faceted artist.

Kiet is excited to reunite with the House of Pride team members and mark his return to creative mode to astound new audiences with style, grace, beauty and art.

For the last 15 years, Kiet has chosen to focus his talents as a Beauty Expert.

 

Marta Marta (Martha Carter)

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Mistress of dance, master teacher, director, performer, and mentor, Marta Marta / Martha Carter, is a powerful woman of many talents.

Raised in Vancouver, BC followed by university in New York, Martha meets Stephen LaReign Hues in their early dancing days, and joins him in his underground activism where he ‘schools' her in the world of the Queer and fabulous arts.

When Martha and Stephen move into a huge warehouse space in Montreal in 1993, the foundation for the ‘house’ is built.

That same year, they connect with a bounty of gifted performersand together they create the House of Pride, influencing the queer world in Montréal and beyond forever.

Under Martha’s experienced guidance, the House puts together some of the most memorable shows in Montréal during that time. As she uncovers her own diva and drag queen alter ego, Marta Marta’s presence becomes an added gender twist onstage, a female archetype for all.

Marta Marta—visionary, interdisciplinary artist and creative powerhouse—remains a caring matriarch to HOP from her home on Vancouver Island, where she lives close to her other family, surrounded by the embrace of our ultimate queen Gaia via the mountains, rainforest and Salish sea.

 

Stephen LaReign Hues

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Visual wizard extraordinaire, and the brilliant ‘eye' behind many of the incredible House of Pride images, Stephen LaReign Hues is an unparalleled artist across multiple disciplines.

As a director, choreographer, performer, and photographer, Stephen has a diverse professional background in the arts. Throughout his career, he has collaborated and worked with renowned artists from world-class opera productions to Burning Man art projects, as well as create his own original solo characters that have entertained audiences for almost 30 years. His artistic life has been steeped in world mythologies working on productions of the Ramayana, Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle, Pachamama, Gaia’s Storm, and Firebird Rising to name a few. Carving out a unique niche, Stephen continues to create art that is magical, whimsical, and poignant.

Stephen lives in Los Angeles with his partner and furry family.